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2004 Mazda RX-8 engine complaints

Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 139, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Mazda RX-8 engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 17, 2009 · Engine · 26,625 miles · TX

In june of 2005, I received a recall notice from the mazda north american operations informing me that my vehicle had an inherent safety issue concerning the engine among other things. I took the car for a check and was told that the car checked out fine. In august 2006, mazda north american operations extended the warranty on the car because the inherent defect does not necessarily show up immediately but may show up much later. In my case it showed up in june of 2008. The car started running hot, the engine light would come on and the car would idle high at a stop light. Once the car was turned off, the cooling fan would continue for several minutes. I took the car to the mazda dealer who stated that I needed a new engine. The invoice indicated that a new engine was authorized among other things. After that incident, the vehicle ran alright up until the middle of august 2009 when the same issues reappeared. Supposedly, they installed an new engine but apparently that was not true. On august 16, 2009, I dropped the car off at the dealership to correct the problem or the give me another car. This car has a serious safety issue. I want mazda to give me another car because I just don't trust driving the one with the defect.

Filed Aug 6, 2009 · Engine · 46,000 miles · TX

I have a 2004 mazda rx8 and I bought it 4 months ago it has 48500 and it keeps stopping in the middle of the road it gets hot and will turn off while running . If I stop at a light it will turn off. It has been sent to 2 different mazda places been put on machines after machine sent to 2 shop and can't find a solution and no body knows what the problem is not even the mazda dealer the dealer put a new converter and said it was fixed but,its been in the shop two more times now the warranty is out and they think it might be, because its not warmed up in the morning ,but do not guarantee it yah right I live in texas. Well if the mazda dealer don't know who does? This is very dangerous ,I could have a bad wreck because of this problem .please tell me who to contact.

Filed Jul 9, 2009 · Engine · 50,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving 40-60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited 30 minutes before the vehicle resumed normal operation. The dealer could not remedy the issue with the engine. The vehicle is currently at the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe to drive because it can shut off without warning. The current mileage was 81,206 and failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed May 12, 2009 · Engine · 40,000 miles · KS

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. When the contact attempted to stop the engine, the motor would kick, but the engine would not stop. A mechanic stated that the fuel pump was faulty and made the replacement. The repair only lasted one week. He took the vehicle to a mazda dealer and they stated that there was a flooding issue. The dealer repaired the vehicle for free, but the failure recurred a month later. The mechanic stated that the outer grip on the fly wheel was loose. The mechanic repaired the vehicle, but the engine still would not start. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 42,000.

Filed May 11, 2009 · Engine · NY

2004 mazda rx8 is experiencing the same recall problem as the 2005-08 mazda rx8. *nj the consumer stated his vehicle failed emissions due to an evaporator leak.

Filed May 1, 2009 · Engine · 65,200 miles · PR

I've been having a couple of incidents where my safety has been in danger because my vehicle suddenly shuts down in middle of road. Last time happened in a middle of an intersection, but it has happened in curvy uphill roads and highways, where I have been exposed to accidents because engine shuts down. I am more than concerned because its not just my safety but the ones traveling with me and the ones that not. Mazda has acknowledge the problem with the engine of the 2004 rx-8, but in the dealership they always make something up not to check it under warranty. I need your intervention to deal with this issue. I have almost been involved in accidents because of this problem. I have found about the recall in this website. I have lost money, and time but not willing to risk my life. I need to know what steps to take action, because all they do is deny that's its warranty related even when they know about the recalls that related to this problem, all they do is sell you spark plugs and ignition coils (which they say is the cause and never solves anything but their sales). This has to stop. Its not fair to pay so much for a 2004 car and get back such a nightmare. I need to know what to know if I can get a remedy under federal laws of transportation safety. This is serious.

Filed Apr 30, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 56,200 miles · OH

I was driving my 2004 mazda rx-8 on the highway at approximately 60mph and went to shift from 5th gear into 4th gear when I felt a "pop" at which point my clutch fell to the floor and I no longer had any ability to accelerate. Fortunately traffic was light and I was able to coast off onto the next exit ramp and pulled to the side of the road. I called mazda roadside assistance who towed the car to mazda bedford. I was told that the clutch was "blown" and needed to be completely replaced. The mazda forum is full of similar episodes and I was encouraged to file a complaint.

Filed Apr 29, 2009 · Engine · 38,000 miles · TN

Mazda has replaced the engine in my 2004 rx8 3 times in the last 700 miles. They keep saying bad rotary engine but this is terrible. How many more engines will it take???

Filed Apr 23, 2009 · Engine · 55,000 miles · FL

I'm very upset, I bough my car rx8 2004 on january 2009 from a mazda dealer and my car just died 3 month after buying the car, they won't replace my engine because of and aftermarket headers. Now I understand that aftermarket parts will void the warranty of the car but the first month I bought the car went to the dealer 5 times and I have the record of that, the knew the car was damage and they never replace my engine now that I put my headers and they saw them they don't want to replace it and pretty much I lost 13k on a car that last me only 3 month and I'm still paying the car a month I don't have money to repair the car just because they knowing that this cars have problems and still don't want to help if I don't have car I probably can lose my job and trust me I don't want that but I can even buy a nother car because I'm still paying this car I need my car fix and I want someone to take action on this, I will really want to reports this issue to the local news papers and let everyone knows about this please help me here I can afford to lose my job my wife doesn't work and my son is only 2y and 5 month please someone help me...!!!!

Filed Jan 31, 2009 · Engine · 71,000 miles · TX

I would like to report the substandard performance of a car that will soon be know as the living coffin. The mazda rx8 is in my opinion a death trap. While in houston , my car was always in the shop because it would stop on me in busy traffic. Now I am in austin and the car started stalling again. What does mazda do to remedy this problem, they sent out a dvd, that tells you how to start the car when it stops. While, I was in dallas, I met people on line that also have these mazda rx8's. They too are disgusted. This car is very unsafe, and will stop on you at the drop of a hat. Mazda has been secretly replacing engines, and all of a sudden the warranty is now at 100,000 miles. Now the catch: you take the car in and what you thought would be under warranty ends up costing you money. I have 70,000 miles on my 2004 rx8, and it has been a nightmare. I have also talked to people, that are upside down, and then other dealers are aware of this crap of a car. I have contacted your agency once before, and nothing has been done, my next course of action is a complaint with the justice department. All I need is a email address for someone in your agency, and I will have many stories. Today, my car stopped just as I crossed lake travis, and again as I attempted to clime a hill. We rx8 owners need help. You people only react only after someone has died. It is obvious there is a problem. This has been going on for years, and mazda is doing nothing. I need help and I need it now.

Filed Jan 20, 2009 · Engine · 50,000 miles · AL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. The contact noticed a failure with the engine on four different occasions. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. She also noticed a burnt, rubbery smell coming from the passenger console. She took the vehicle to the dealer three times and they stated that she needed a new motor. The dealer replaced the first motor in july of 2008 during her third visit. The contact noted that the dealer would attempt to repair the issue, but she was never able to drive home successfully without a failure occurring. She was recently informed that a second new motor would be needed. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 59,000 and failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Jan 14, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · 32,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. While driving various speeds, the vehicle will stall without warning. He took the vehicle to a local repair shop and a mechanic stated that fuel flooded the engine and causes the vehicle to stall. The engine was completely replaced. In addition, it takes several attempts to start the vehicle in cold weather conditions. The dealer stated that condensation was present and a vacuum needed to be installed, which would prevent water interference. The rear driver's side exterior lighting needed to be replaced due to the water entry. Finally, the front passenger side wheel bearing failed, which almost caused the tire to separate from the vehicle. The failure mileage was 32,000 and current mileage was 43,000. Updated 020209 *bf the right front wheel bearing was worn. The check engine light illuminated. The front and rear coils were replaced. Updated 02/03/09.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Engine · 40,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving between 30-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and all the gears lost power. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to repair the fluid issues and have the spark plugs changed, but the failures persist. The vehicle is currently in the shop. The current and failure mileages were 40,000.

Filed Dec 24, 2008 · Engine · 37,250 miles · CA · fire

Engine light came on with no noticeable problems. Called dealer who advised bringing it in. On way to dealership, approx. 4 miles, car began to misfire, producing smoke from exhaust pipes. By the time I pulled into the dealership, smoke was coming from every area of underside of car, as well as interior. Wife following said flames were coming from both exhaust pipes. Car only has 37,000 miles, and all dealer servicing were done since purchase of vehicle. After 2 weeks of contact with home office, mazda has agreed to pay for repairs of exhaust system, but I am liable for physical damage to car which includes melted carpeting, spark plugs, etc. Was told both coils were the cause of problem.

Filed Dec 5, 2008 · Engine, Suspension · 8,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle made a creaking noise whenever the steering wheel was turned. He took the vehicle to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that there was a tear line crack in the lower control arm in the suspension. The contact received a recall notice in 2005 for the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v325000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) and the manufacturer repaired the vehicle for free. The failure has recurred, but the manufacturer refuses to repair the vehicle according to the recall. He believes that the component that was used to previously repair the vehicle was faulty; therefore, the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. The check engine indicator would randomly illuminate while driving various speeds. A local mechanic stated that the vehicle experienced a ruptured oil cooling line. During the repair, the technician noticed that the oil pan was perforated and leaking oil. The oil pan needed to be replaced; however, the oil cooling line was replaced. The mechanic stated that this was all caused by rust. The contact was unable to find a recall for the failure, but believed it should have also been recalled by the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000 and current mileage was 42,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2008 · Engine · 55,000 miles · FL · 1 injury

My 2004 mazda rx-8 catalytic converter went out twice in less than 1 year. My personal mechanics said to take it back to the dealer and that blogs on line said the engine would loose compression and the engine would go out completely. I read several complaints online about that very same thing. The dealer said they would replace the catalytic converter again. I said what about the low compression and engine failure down the road. And the service manager said that what the 100k warranty is for. I don't think that's right they should buy the car back from me. It is not dependable. It is at mazda city of orange park, fl. Phone # 904-7790600.

Filed Nov 21, 2008 · Engine · 51,000 miles · NY

I'm having problems with my 2004 mazda rx8 I had a replace engine on my car and the car had a engine flooded before and now last night doesn't want 2 start and there's are a few recalls for this car and I want 2 take actions with mazda.

Filed Oct 21, 2008 · Engine · 26,000 miles · TN

Owner of an 2004 rx-8. The vehicle had 8,000 miles at time of purchase. Within 2,000 miles of driving the vehicle, while driving down the interstate the engine shut down. Mazda replaced the sensor system. They stated that the key became unprogrammed while driving? The car was worked on at prebel mazda in georgia. My car now has 26,000 miles. I take very particular car with the maintenance of the car. Last friday night, I shut my car off and it wouldn't restart. After some research, I have found that most all rx-8 mazda's have this similar issue. I am currently paying out of pocket, to have test run to determine the problem. There is a big chance that the vehicle will need it's engine replaced. Due to a recall "compression" issue by mazda. I am very upset that I have a vehicle with major manufacturer defaults.

Filed Aug 17, 2008 · Engine · 112,000 miles · WV

Drivers side oil cooler lines have metal section and connector as they pass from engine compartment to wheel well. This metal section has corroded through and produced a hole in the metal oil line allowing engine oil to be sprayed onto brake system, front tire and rim, and consequently under rear tire track. This resulted in hard pulling to right (passenger side) under stiff braking, skipping and loss of traction of front left (drivers) tire due to oil soaked condition and loss of traction of left rear tire from tracking in oil pattern. Mazda canada has issued special service program (ssp 76) for this issue. Mazda europe has initiated a similar program, there is no us recall or ssp as of this date. Ssp replaces effected parts and provides for redesigned wheel well liner to protect oil fittings from corrosive road salts and water.

Filed Aug 12, 2008 · Engine · 28,512 miles · IL

Driving home when making a left turn the vehicle stopped dead in the oncoming lane. This has happened at least 3 times before with no indication from the dealer as to the cause or solution to this problem. According to reports on the internet many complaints have indicated that around 28,000 miles the engine was replace due to lack of compression.

Filed Jul 24, 2008 · Engine · NY

2004 mazda rx8 with water mixing in with the oil. Consumer states that the mechanic stated that water in the oil was normal and how the vehicle vented. There was red antifreeze in the vehicle and green antifreeze should have been used. *kb the dip stick was covered in a hard, crystallized, orange/white substance. The vehicle overheated and steam emitted from the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, it was determined that the thermostat had malfunctioned. The consumer was informed that because the wrong anti-freeze had been used, there may be future cooling issues with the vehicle.

Filed Jul 7, 2008 · Engine · 78,900 miles · AL

I bought a 2004 mazda rx8 brand new in early 2005 from the dealer. I have had to have it towed in for repair over 10 times. They have tried to fix it each time. They even had to replace the engine after only 23,000 miles. Now looks like I will need another engine. They have had numerous recalls on it. It has stalled on me before but the other day it almost cost me my life. It stalled due to hot weather with on coming traffic. I nearly had a head on collision. After doing some research I find that it has yet more recalls on it for same problem of stalling. This is a very unsafe car. I read on different forums of all the horror stories others are having with same problems. The dealerships are trying to say there is no problem or that its something we did and try to charge us to repair their defects. Something has got to be done before people are killed. I now find out that no one wants to take it in on trade for fair value. Mazda sold this car before it was ready for production and they should buy it back at fair value. They need to get them off the road before its to late. Please help put pressure on them to do what's right.

Filed Jun 25, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 105,000 miles · TX · fire

The 2004 rx8 has internal seals fail prematurely. This causes the engine to "blow" by a loss of compression in one of the two rotor chambers. The problem being the car with still run with half power. I continued to drive to find help off the highway. The rotor that is not working is dumping gas into the catalytic converter. By the time I parked, I could smell burning fiber and plastic and the exhaust shot out several large chunks of red hot ceramic material. The catalytic converter was bright orange and the entire underside of my car is melted. Looking on internet under "2004 rx 8 engine failure" I have seen several other stories with similar results but worse. Is it possible that the fuel tank could explode with such heat so near if you continued to drive. This happens anywhere from 12,000 miles to 100,000 miles and beyond. Mazda knows of the engine defect and has extended the warranty on the motor as of may 2008. My car is at hancock mazda in dallas. They said damage amounted to $9,500.00 from heat.

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Engine · FL

I have a 2004 mazda rx-8. Three times within the last six months (since december 2007) I have had to have the car towed to the dealer because although the car would start, it would not "catch" and fire up. The dealer says that it is a problem particular to the 2004 rx-8 (no other year of this model has this problem). They said the engine gets flooded if the car isn't run "hot" for at least 1/2 hour (like it can happen if I just run to the grocery store and back). They said this is a recurring problem with the 2004 rx-8. If this is a huge problem, why hasn't there been a recall to repair it? It costs me over $150 each time it has to go in, not to mention lost hours at work because my car won't start.

Filed May 15, 2008 · Engine · 49,000 miles · IA

I bought my 2004 rx-8 used with 48,000 miles on it. One month after purchasing the engine started to run rough, especially noticeable while at a stop light or sitting at an idle. Was told I had a compression variance in the engine and that it would have to be replaced. Undisclosed to me at the time of purchase was the fact that this car had already had the engine replace previously. I now have a car that is on its 3rd engine in 52,000 miles.

Filed Apr 12, 2008 · Engine · 38,632 miles · MD

I purchased my vehicle on 12/5/06 at russel mazda in catonsville, md. Very satisfied with the look of the vehicle and having no prior knowledge the vehicle I made my decision to purchase. Several of my family members own mazda?s and believe in your vehicles but none own the rx-8. On 1/4/07, after moving a short distance to park the vehicle, the vehicle wouldn?t restart 5 minutes later. Vehicle had to be towed back to russel mazda in catonsville for service. Dealer states ?no start condition. Car towed in. Customer hears a whining sound from under the hood when trying to star engine. Engine does not turn over, ?possible starter?. Car flooded, de-flooded car as per bulletin #01-048/06xxb479r1//.3 ? Procedure ?a? Only. After believing this problem was resolved, I assumed everything was ok. To no avail, on april 4, 2008, due to an emergency, once again I had to drive the vehicle a short distance. After parking vehicle at home for 2 days during a short illness, I went to start vehicle to go to work vehicle wouldn?t start. ?de-javu?! I waited a few minutes and tried to start vehicle again. After that, I had to call out of work advising them of car trouble. I then waited 4 hours to try starting again, still no start. I called the castle ford/mazda in beltsville who advised me to tow vehicle in. Once unit arrived, after one week of waiting for results of diagnosis, vehicle was flooded again. The dealer gave me an initial repair estimate of $850.00. I was able to have them lower that amount to $650.00. My trust in mazda?s products has truly been tarnished.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Engine · PA

I have a 2004 mazda rx 8. The engine had to be replaced at 11,000 miles due to low compression and other issues. 10,000 miles later I am getting the same symptoms in the new engine. My dealer is great, but the car is a lemon.

Filed Jan 28, 2008 · Engine · 20,000 miles · CA

I am the original owner of a 2004 rx8. My engine floods regularly, I am afraid to valet my car due to this constant problem. My driver's side visor failed, I had to replace out of pocket, now the dealer is saying my car has low compression and suggest I trade it in as soon as possible. They do not want to replace my engine as I am over the warranty period. This is my first and last mazda.

Filed Dec 3, 2007 · Engine · NJ

1) car often stalls/won't start 2) engine cranks and won't start/ had to take it to a shop many times 3) dealer says "engine flooded" and repaired.

Filed Nov 26, 2007 · Engine · 48,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. The vehicle would not start and the dealer stated that the failure was due to the rotary engine. The dealer stated that there was no remedy, but advised the contact to press the accelerator pedal before starting and shutting off the engine. The number of cylinders were unknown. The failure mileage was 48,000 and current mileage was 51,200.

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